I and my players really enjoyed this module. They took an angle I didnt expect but the module was flexible enough to accomodate them. I also found myself a little underprepared having read the module weeks ago and not closer to the session, but I needn't have worried, it was easy to run. Thoroughly recommended.

First the basics; Brain Drain is a 17 page PDF scenario for the Shadow of the Beanstalk setting. After subtracting the cover and credits/CCA for the Genesys Foundry page and handout the remaining 14 pages are dedicated to the primary content. Brain Drain can easily be used as an introduction to the NDS system and the Shadow of the Beanstalk setting.

I will not use terms like AMAZING, INNOVATIVE or MUST HAVE to describe the product. IT IS well written and laid out in an easy to follow manner. The handout page prints just fine, however, for my online game it would have been nice to have two separate images for handouts of a suitable resolution. I attempted to extract the last page or save it as an image file, but the text was too pixilated to be usable.

The opportunity exists for two different network map setups to be used for net running encounters, as well as the possibility for various strategies to be used in accomplishing the mission set forth in the introduction. The introduction works well for starting characters or, if need be, disregard and incorporate the mission into an existing storyline. Plenty of adversaries are provided to fill out the cast for combat or social encounters. As one of the few written scenarios and at the cost of $4.99, it is worth the price to save you the time.

This adventure is a fantastic addition to the SOTB setting. I enjoyed the non-linear way that the adventure has been written, allowing for customising it to whatever the players are doing. Well done!

This is a fun story that's well-constructed and beautiful. It works well as a stand-alone adventure or broken into pieces to fit into a larger campaign. A GM can prep to run this pretty quickly.

I will disclose that I took part in a playtest of a few encounters.

8-12-2019 - Updated review to reflect changed in 1.1 version of product and having run the adventure -Disclosure- I received a review copy for an upcoming YouTube review series and podcast I am currently developing

I haven't played this adventure and I will update this review if anything changes in play. My star ratings are 100% based on game play, but I will comment on layout and design as well.

I did buy the Shadows of the Beanstalk rulebook, but I am not generally a fan of roleplaying in the cyberpunk/dystopian future genre. I haven't read much of the fiction that is the basis of the genre so I'm coming into this setting without many preconceived notions on how it "should be".

Brain Drain is a short, to the point heist adventure that does a very good job of showcasing the rules that are unique to the Shadow of the Beanstalk campaign setting. The adventure starts with 6 pages of necessary background and then starting right up with the call to action. The description of the hook and the first scene give the GM a lot of room to play bringing the scenes to life.

There are two unique aspects of the scenario that really elevate the product. There is a player facing "clock" that I think is inspired by other RPG systems. I enjoy seeing how others incorporate these tools into other games and it is very smooth here. I would like to have seen a physical handout for this mechanism. Without spoiling anything there is an antagonist group that is statted and described in a way to makes them a challenge to different playstyles and party compositions. I wish more adventures would follow this path rather than stat and advise based on what the designers this is the one likely path.

The layout and design are top-notch, this looks as good as the adventure published by Fantasy Flight Games.

I ran this for a group of friends online and it was a lot of fun. I would describe it as an enclosed sandbox. The players had a lot of freedom to approcach the challenges before them without there being one best option. If you are using the full Network Encounter rules from the Android Setting, having a "Runner" will maximize the fun. It was a great introduction to Android Campaign Setting and does a great job of providing an introduction to what is different/new in Android for experienced Genesys players. The themes that I associate with the genre are all here and the premise is enough to carry this on to a full campaign with this adventure.

This product is well written and professionally put together. And I couldnt be happier with my purchase of it. Great addition to anyones Android collection.